Swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back

ABSTRACT

In the past, a posterior transfer was only an option using zipper back sling upholstery. The removable swing away solid wheelchair back offers multiple ways to transfer while preventing orthopedic, neuromotor, and respiratory complications from wheelchair positioning. By mounting the swing away removable solid wheelchair back at a slight angle, the rib cage, lungs, and diaphragm are opened making breathing easier when the respiratory system is compromised.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The field of invention relates to devices and methods for facilitatingposterior ingress and egress from a wheelchair for individuals withlimited dexterity and to improve overall oxygenation of said individual.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Sling back and seats are the most common types of wheelchair upholsteryprovided in the seating and positioning industry. These sling back andseats are normally made of leather or a breathable nylon fabric. Thesling back and seats allow for comfortable seating when a child or adultdoes not have irregular tone, muscle weakness, abnormal reflex patterns,shortening of a muscle group, or skeletal deformities. Irregular toneand abnormal reflex patterns can cause muscle spasms or extensor thruststhat actually cause a client to lurch out of a wheelchairuncontrollably. The weak muscle strength, shortening of muscles andskeletal deformities prevent a client from sitting erect in a wheelchairand maintaining that posture. There are some inherent problems thatresult from long term use of sling upholstery such as internal rotationof the hips from sitting on a sling seat. In addition, if a sling seatand back are used an elongated “C” posture occurs in the spine. (1)

Solid backs and seats were developed to improve orthopedic, neuromotor,respiratory and circulatory factors. The orthopedic factors are range ofmotion, skeletal deformities, and skeletal alignment, as described byCook and Hussy (1995). (2) The solid backs and seats by providing bettersupport resulted in clients not developing skeletal deformities andskeletal alignment problems like scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis. Theneuromotor factors are muscle tone, reflex patterns, postural controland voluntary movement, Cook and Hussy (1995). (2) Optimal seatingsystems could prevent triggering abnormal tone and reflex patterns thusallowing voluntary movement and better postural control while sitting.This would allow more participation in normal activities throughout theday. With use of solid seat components respiratory and circulatoryfactors like vital capacity, forced expiratory volume and expiratorytime in children all improved according to Nwaobi and Smith (1986). (3)The benefit from using solid seat and backs became apparent aswheelchairs were used for longer periods of time. Orthopedic, neurmotor,circulatory and respiratory problems could be identified and addressedpreventing further medical complications from wheelchair positioning.

Solid backs and seating systems became removable systems to allow easytransport of the wheelchairs in automobiles. The solid seats and backswere not easy to fold and transport in a vehicle. The removable solidseat and back systems could be taken completely off of the frame of thewheelchair once a client had transferred to the car. An attendant couldassist with the wheelchair, if the client did not have adequate strengthto lift the chair components or frame into the back seat or trunk of thevehicle.

The swing away removable solid back described herein was developed toallow four types of transfers from the wheelchair. The subject cantransfer with a sliding board, or transfer laterally, to the right orleft sides of the chair, using a front approach to transfer, or transferthrough the rear upright frame or push handles on the chair for aposterior transfer.

In the past, a posterior transfer was only an option using zipper backsling upholstery. The subject could unzip the back and complete aposterior transfer. The problems with skeletal deformities, skeletalalignment and compromised respiratory status from long term use of asling zipper back on the wheelchair lead us to develop the swing awayremovable solid back.

The swing away removable solid wheelchair back allows individuals withminimal strength to complete a sliding board or lateral transfer withmodified assistance to a toilet, or bed. The swing away hardware allowsthe solid back to swing and slide around the toilet tank for transferease. The swing away removable solid wheelchair back is designed toallow individuals with poor muscle strength the ability to safely usethe swing away removable solid wheelchair back. The swing away removablesolid wheelchair back has an easy latching device that allows anindividual with minimal hand function to set up for a transfer, andsecurely latch the seat back into place. By mounting the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair back at an eight (8) degree angle, theindividual has opened the rib cage, lungs, and diaphragm makingbreathing easier when the respiratory system is compromised. Theremovable swing away solid wheelchair back offers multiple ways totransfer while preventing orthopedic, neuromotor, and respiratorycomplications from wheelchair positioning.

The following references are cited throughout this disclosure using theassociated numerical identifiers. Applicant makes no statement, inferredor direct, regarding the status of these references as prior art andreserves the right to challenge the accuracy of any statement made inthese references. These references are incorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE CITED DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

(1) Bergen A., Presperin, J., and Tallman, T. (1990). Positioning forfunction: Wheelchairs and other assistive technologies. Valhalla, N.Y.:Valhalla Rehabilitation Publications.

(2) Cook, A., and Hussey S. (1995). Seating and Positioning Systems asExtrinsic Enablers for Assistive Technologies In A. Cook and S. Hussey,(Eds.), Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice. St. Louis:Mosby.

(3) Nawobi, O., and Smith, P. (1986) Effects of adaptive seating onpulmonary function of children with cerebral palsy, DevelopmentalMedicine Child Neurology 28: 351-354.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The Device

The invention provides a simple device, which can be placed on existingsolid wheelchair backs to facilitate posterior ingress and egress forindividuals with poor muscle strength, while improving the overalloxygenation of said individual. The instant device can be readilyremoved by the individual with poor muscle strength thus facilitatingsaid individual's posterior ingress and egress from the wheelchair.

In the preferred aspect depicted in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A and 3, thedevice comprises a swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back, anupper and a lower frame support attached to the back of the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back, a frame attached to the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back (via the upper and lower framesupport attached to the back of the removable solid wheelchair seatback) which articulates via a connecting device(s) on the frame with aleft wheelchair handle clamp, and a securing bracket attached to theswing away solid wheelchair seat back via a securing bracket mount whicharticulates with a right wheelchair handle clamp which contains anintegral latch mechanism that locks the securing bracket in place whensaid latch mechanism is in the closed position. The connecting device(s)on the frame articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp such thatwhen the latch mechanism of the right wheelchair handle clamp is in theopen position the securing bracket is unrestrained and is able todisengage from the right wheelchair handle clamp such that the swingaway removable solid wheelchair seat back is able to rotate from thefixed position through an arc of greater than ninety (90) degrees. Whenthe securing bracket is unrestrained, i.e. the latch mechanism is in theopen position, and is disengage from the right wheelchair handle clampthe swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back can be rotated viathe connecting device(s) on the frame which articulates with the leftwheelchair handle clamp and removed from the wheelchair by lifting theswing away removable solid wheelchair seat back straight up anddisengaging the connecting device(s) on the frame from the leftwheelchair handle clamp. The right and left wheelchair handle clamps aredesigned such that when said right and left wheelchair handle clamps areattached to the wheelchair's handles and the swing away removable solidwheelchair back is attached to the wheelchair proper via the right andleft wheelchair handle clamp the swing away removable solid wheelchairback is inclined at an angle of eight (8) degrees. By mounting the swingaway removable solid wheelchair back at an eight (8) degree angle,individual's seated in the wheelchair experience a more opened rib cage,lungs, and diaphragm making breathing easier when the respiratory systemis compromised. The removable swing away solid wheelchair back offersmultiple ways to transfer while preventing orthopedic, neuromotor, andrespiratory complications from wheelchair positioning.

The Method

In another embodiment, the instant invention provides a method forposterior ingress and egress for individuals with poor muscle strengthwhile improving overall oxygenation of said individual. To prepare forposterior egress from the wheelchair the individual with poor musclestrength will first manipulate the latch mechanism to the open position.When the latch mechanism is in the open position the securing bracket isunrestrained. With the latch mechanism in the open position theindividual with poor muscle strength can push back on the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back and disengage the securing bracketfrom the right wheelchair handle clamp. Once the individual with poormuscle strength has disengaged the securing bracket the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back can be rotated via the connectingdevice(s) on the frame, which articulates with the left wheelchairhandle clamp. The swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back canthen either be rotated in excess of ninety (90) degrees out of theindividual with poor muscle strength's way while remaining attached tothe wheelchair and allowing the individual access and egress from thewheelchair or the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back can beremoved completely from the wheelchair to allow access and egress fromthe wheelchair. The swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back canbe detached completely from the wheelchair by individuals with poormuscle strength when the securing bracket has been disengaged aspreviously described and the removable solid wheelchair seat back islifted straight up disengaging the connecting device(s) on the framefrom the left wheelchair handle clamp. With the swing away removablesolid wheelchair seat back removed from the wheelchair individuals withpoor muscle strength can egress from the wheelchair by transferringthrough the rear upright frame or push handles on the chair for aposterior transfer. Similarly, with the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back removed from the wheelchair or rotated in excess ofninety (90) degrees individuals with poor muscle strength can transferinto the wheelchair by transferring through the rear upright frame orpush handles on the chair for a posterior ingress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the device comprising a swing away removablesolid wheelchair seat back, an upper and a lower frame support attachedto the back of the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back, aframe attached to the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back(via the upper and lower frame support) which articulates via aconnecting device(s) on the frame with a left wheelchair handle clamp,and a securing bracket attached to the swing away solid wheelchair seatback which articulates with a right wheelchair handle clamp which locksthe securing bracket in place via a latch mechanism.

FIG. 1A shows a top view of the device with said securing clamp in theengaged position.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of the device with said securing clamp in thedisengaged position.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of said right wheelchair handle clamp with saidlatch mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of said right wheelchair handle clamp withsaid latch mechanism in the closed position.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the left wheelchair handle clamp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is understood that this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments and methodologies, as these may vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention, which will be limited only by theappended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. The preferred methods,devices, and materials are now described, although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention. Nothing herein is tobe construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled toantedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Each referencecited herein is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Embodiments

Disclosed is a simple device, which can be placed on existing solidwheelchair backs and mounted on existing wheelchair handles tofacilitate posterior ingress and egress for individuals with poor musclestrength, while improving the overall oxygenation of said individual. Apreferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows the latchmechanism in the open position, is presented in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3.This device has a swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1, anupper frame support 2 and a lower frame support 3 attached to the backof the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1, a frame 4consisting of; a top wheelchair back frame support 4A which is attachedto the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 via the upperframe support 2, a bottom wheelchair back frame support 4B which isattached to the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 viathe lower frame support 3, a left wheelchair back frame support 4C whichis attached to the top wheelchair back frame support 4A and the bottomwheelchair back frame support 4B, and a right wheelchair back framesupport 4D which is attached to the top wheelchair back frame support 4Aand the bottom wheelchair back frame support 4B, an upper connectingdevice 5 and a lower connecting device 5A attached to the leftwheelchair back frame support 4C, a left wheelchair handle clamp 6attached to the wheelchair's left handle, a right wheelchair handleclamp 7 consisting of: a right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A, a latch7B, a latch spring tension screw assembly 7C, an upper anterior clamp7D, and a lower anterior clamp 7E attached to the wheelchair's righthandle, and a securing bracket 8 attached to a securing bracket mount 9which is further attached to the swing away removable solid wheelchairseat back 1.

The instant device, as described may be operated in either the locked orunlocked position. When in the locked position the latch 7B of the rightwheelchair handle clamp 7 is in the closed position. The latch 7B is inthe closed position when the latch 7B is rotated clockwise ninety (90)degrees from the perpendicular to engage with the channel on the rightwheelchair posterior clamp 7A. When the latch 7B of the right wheelchairhandle clamp 7 is in the closed position the securing bracket 8restrained and remains engaged to the right wheelchair posterior clamp7A such that the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 issecured in place. When in the unlocked position the latch 7B of theright wheelchair clamp 7 is in the open position. The latch 7B is in theopen position when the latch 7B is rotated counterclockwise ninety (90)degrees to disengage from the channel on the right wheelchair posteriorclamp 7A. When the latch 7B is in the open position, and the securingbracket 8 is disengaged from the right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A theswing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 can be disengaged fromthe wheelchair proper by rotating the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back 1 via the upper connecting device 5 and the lowerconnecting device 5A through an arc of zero (0) to one hundred andtwenty (120) degrees and lifting the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back 1 straight up which disengages the upper connectingdevice 5 and the lower connecting device 5A from the left wheelchairhandle clamp 6 and completely disengages the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back 1 from the wheelchair proper.

For the instant device, as described the upper connecting device 5 andthe lower connecting device 5A attaches to the left wheelchair backframe support 4C and articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp6. The left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and the right wheelchair handleclamp 7 are designed such that when the left wheelchair handle clamp 6and the right wheelchair handle clamp 7 are attached to thecorresponding wheelchair handle, by fasteners in the case of the leftwheelchair handle clamp 6 and by an upper anterior clamp 7D, and a loweranterior clamp 7E for the right wheelchair handle clamp 7, the swingaway removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 is inclined at an eight (8)degree angle.

In another embodiment, the instant invention provides a method forposterior ingress and egress for individuals with poor muscle strengthwhile improving overall oxygenation of said individuals. To prepare forposterior egress from the wheelchair individuals with poor musclestrength will first manipulate the latch 7B to the open opposition. Whenthe latch 7B is in the open position the securing bracket 8 isunrestrained. With the latch 7B in the open position individuals withpoor muscle strength can push back on the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back 1 and disengage the securing bracket 8 from theright wheelchair handle clamp 7. Once the individual with poor musclestrength has disengaged the securing bracket 8 the swing away removablesolid wheelchair seat back 1 can be rotated via the upper connectingdevice 5 and the lower connecting device 5A attached to the leftwheelchair back frame support 4C which articulates with the leftwheelchair handle clamp 6. The swing away removable solid wheelchairseat back 1 can then either be rotated in excess of ninety (90) degreesout of the individual with poor muscle strength's way while remainingattached to the wheelchair and allowing the individual access and egressfrom the wheelchair or the swing away removable solid wheelchair seatback 1 can be removed completely from the wheelchair to allow access andegress from the wheelchair. Individuals with poor muscle strength canremove the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 completelyfrom the wheelchair when the securing bracket 8 has been disengaged fromthe right wheelchair posterior clamp 7A. The swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back 1 can be disengaged from the wheelchair proper byrotating the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 via theupper connecting device 5 and the lower connecting device 5A through anarc of zero (0) to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees and lifting theswing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 straight up whichdisengages the upper connecting device 5 and the lower connecting device5A from the left wheelchair handle clamp 6 and completely disengages theswing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1 from the wheelchairproper. With the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1removed from the wheelchair individuals with poor muscle strength canegress from the wheelchair by transferring through the rear uprightframe or push handles on the wheelchair for a posterior transfer.Similarly, with the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back 1removed from the wheelchair or rotated in excess of ninety (90) degreesindividuals with poor muscle strength can transfer into the wheelchairby transferring through the rear upright frame or push handles on thechair for a posterior ingress.

Materials of construction for the individual components of the instantdevice (i.e. the frame 4, left wheelchair clamp 6, right wheelchairclamp 7, upper and lower connecting device 5 and 5A respectively)preferably include those materials that can provide structural integrityand allow for mass requirements. Preferably, the material ofconstruction for the individual components is metal (stainless steel,hardened steel, etc.) for machined pieces such as the left wheelchairclamp 6, right wheelchair clamp 7, upper connecting device 5 and lowerconnecting device 5A, and plastic components (HDPE, Teflon, etc.) forcomponents of the instant device such as the upper frame support 2, thelower frame support 3, left wheelchair back frame support 4C and rightwheelchair back frame support 4D, and securing bracket mount 9. However,the skilled artisan in the manufacture of this invention will reasonablyexpect the instant device to be constructed of any material which willmeet the structural integrity and mass requirement criteria discussedwhile allowing the instant device to work in the manner described in thepreferred embodiment of the instant device.

Although the preferred embodiment discussed above relates to assistingaccess and egress from a wheelchair for individuals with limiteddexterity as well as providing improved overall oxygenation to saidindividuals, the invention is not so limited. While various embodimentsand applications of this invention have been shown and described, it isapparent to those skilled in the art modifications are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore,is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

EXAMPLE Prototype Device Abstract

Individuals with tetraplegia can easily swing away, and remove the SolidWheelchair Back. It facilitates transfers and provides postural supportto minimize the ill effects of long term positioning on slingupholstery. The design features tetraplegic releases to unlatch thewheelchair back. The Solid Wheelchair Back swings away and slides backto allow clearance of the wheelchair rear uprights and push handles fortransfers. The Solid Wheelchair Back is closed by a gate-like, slidingmechanism and latches securely following transfer. The Solid WheelchairBack is easy to remove for wheelchair transport in an automobile. TheSolid Wheelchair Back Modification for posterior transfers is theproduct of creative problem solving to meet the needs of a subject withpost polio syndrome and functional tetraplegia. The subject used aconventional seating system utilizing sling seat upholstery and zipperback upholstery because it allowed independence with transfers. Thesubject's sitting posture included the naturally occurring deformitiesfrom long-term use of sling upholstery, kyphosis, scoliosis, pelvicobliquity, pelvic rotation and a windswept hip deformity. The subjecthad very few pressure related skin problems and did not use a wheelchaircushion. The subject did report shifting of internal organs from recentradiological testing and is a regular visitor with the pulmonologist.Initial attempts to improve the subject's posture with a solid seatinsert and basic therapeutic wheelchair cushion and an eight (8) degreeangle back allowed a more upright posture and increased ease ofbreathing. The problem remains without ability to complete a posteriortransfer, we had decreased functional ability to complete self-care andbathroom transfers. Following several calls to vendors and productsearches we could not find a swing away removable solid wheelchair backto meet the client's needs. Biomedical engineering assistance ondesigning a solution to this complex problem resulted in the SolidWheelchair Back.

Methods

Once the Solid Wheelchair Back was fabricated the subject began severaltrials to adapt to the new seating system. The trials allowed time tomaster transfer techniques and resolve minor accessibility modificationsto allow use of the new seating system at the office, home, and in thecommunity.

Results

Pulse oximeter measurements were taken in the subject's conventionalsling back wheelchair with readings of eighty seven percent (87%) oxygensaturation. When transferred into the wheelchair with the SolidWheelchair Back the subject's oxygenation saturation improved to ninetythree percent (93%) oxygen saturation. The subject experienced somemedical complications and subsequently had several weeks of therapy withan exercise program focused on pulmonary rehabilitation. Specificallyworking on breathing exercises, strengthening intercostals muscles andincreasing tidal lung volume. At this last therapy session pulseoximeter readings were taken again in the wheelchair with the SolidWheelchair Back. Oxygen saturation in the blood was then at ninety sevenpercent (97%).

Discussion

In summary, the subject's use of the wheelchair with the SolidWheelchair Back has experienced a remarkable improvement in pulmonaryfunction. Part of the success can be attributed to improving posture inthe wheelchair and decreasing the kyphotic and wind swept posturetypically exhibited in the sling seating on the wheelchair. The eight(8) degree angle back allows the subject to lean back in the chair toopen the shoulder, lungs and chest. The solid removable wheelchair backimproved oxygenation and in combination with therapy has made asignificant difference in the subject's pulmonary status.

The following references were used throughout this disclosure. Applicantmakes no statement, inferred or direct, regarding the status of thesereferences as prior art and reserves the right to challenge the accuracyof any statement made in these references. These references areincorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE CITED IN EXAMPLE

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Bergen, A. F., Presperin, J. &Tallman, T. Positioning for function:wheelchair s and other assistive technologies, Valhalla, N.Y. 1990,Valhalla Rehabilitation Publications.

Bergen, A. F., Presperin, J. & Tallman, T. (1991) Evaluation Criteria,Team Rehab Rep 2(4):34-35.

Bergen, A. F., Presperin, J. & Tallman, T. (1992) Planning Intervention,Team Rehab Rep 3(2):38-41.

Bolin, I., Bodin, P., & Kreuter, M., (2000) Sitting position posture andperformance in C5-C6 tetraplegia. Spinal Cord. 38(7):425-34.

Calliet, R. Sociosis: diagnosis and management, Philadelphia, 1975, F.A. Davis.

Ferrarin, M., Andreoni, G., & Pedotti, A., (2000) Comparativebiomechanical evaluation of different wheelchair seat cushions. Journalof Rehabilitation Research & Development. 37(3):315-24.

Harms, M., (1990) Effect of wheelchair design on posture and comfort ofusers. Physiotherapy. 76(5):266-71.

Janssen-Potten Y J. Seelen H A. Drukker J. Huson T. Drost M R. (2001)The effect of seat tilting on pelvic position, balance control, andcompensatory postural muscle use in paraplegic subjects. Archives ofPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 82(10):1393-402.

Johnson Taylor, S. and Kreutz, D., (1997) Powered and Manual Mobility.In J. Angelo, Assistive Technology for Rehabilitation Therapists. (pp.117-158). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis

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Minkel, J. L., (2000) Seating and mobility considerations for peoplewith spinal cord injury. Physical Therapy. 80(7):701-9.

Parent, F., Dansereau, J., Lacoste, M., Aissaoui, R., (2000) Evaluationof the new flexible contour backrest for wheelchairs. Journal ofRehabilitation Research & Development. 37(3):325-33.

Pedersen, J. P., (2000) Functional impact of seating modifications forolder adults: an ocupational therapist perspective. Topics in GeriatricRehabilitation. 16(2):73-85.

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Rader, J., Jones, D., & Miller, L., (2000) The importance ofindividualized wheelchair seating for frail older adults. Journal ofGerontological Nursing. 26(11):24-32, 46-7.

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1. A device for facilitating ingress and egress from a wheelchaircomprising a swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back, whereinsaid swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back comprises: a. asolid wheelchair seat back; b. an upper frame support attached to saidsolid wheelchair seat back by fasteners; c. a lower frame supportattached to said solid wheelchair seat back by fasteners; d. a frameattached to said upper frame support and said lower frame supportconsisting of: i. a top wheelchair back frame support which is attachedto said swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back via said upperframe support, ii. a bottom wheelchair back frame support which isattached to the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back via saidlower frame support, iii. a left wheelchair back frame support which isattached to the top wheelchair back frame support and the bottomwheelchair back frame support by one or more fasteners, and iv. a rightwheelchair back frame support which is attached to the top wheelchairback frame support and the bottom wheelchair back frame support by oneor more fasteners; e. a left wheelchair handle clamp attached to thewheelchair's left handle by one or more fasteners; f. an upperconnecting device comprising a base portion attached to said leftwheelchair back frame support by one or more fasteners and a connectingpin portion which articulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp; g.a lower connecting device comprising a base portion attached to saidleft wheelchair back frame support by one or more fasteners and aconnecting pin portion which articulates with the left wheelchair handleclamp; h. a right wheelchair handle clamp consisting of: i. a rightwheelchair posterior clamp attached to the wheelchair's right handle byone or more fasteners, ii. a latch, iii. a latch spring tension screw,iv. an upper anterior clamp attached to the wheelchair's right handle byone or more fasteners, v. a lower anterior clamp attached to thewheelchair's right handle by one or more fasteners; i. a securingbracket mount attached to said solid wheelchair seat back by one or morefasteners; and j. a securing bracket attached to said securing bracketmount by one or more fasteners.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the oneor more fasteners are screws, bolts or similar devices that can securethe individual components of the device to a corresponding individualcomponent of the device or to other components on the wheelchair proper.3. The device of claim 1 wherein the left wheelchair back frame support,the right wheelchair back frame support, upper frame support, lowerframe support, and securing bracket mount are constructed of plasticcomponents.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the left wheelchair backframe support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper framesupport, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are constructedof metallic components.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the topwheelchair back frame support, the bottom wheelchair back frame support,left wheelchair handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp, upperconnecting device, lower connecting device, and securing bracket areconstructed of a plastic components.
 6. The device of claim 1 whereinthe top wheelchair back frame support, the bottom wheelchair back framesupport, left wheelchair handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp,upper connecting device, lower connecting device, and securing bracketare constructed of metallic components.
 7. The device of claim 1 whereinthe connecting pin portion of the upper connecting device and theconnecting pin portion of the lower connecting device is inserted intothe left wheelchair handle clamp and can articulate through an arc ofzero (0) to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees.
 8. The device of claim7 wherein the connecting pin portion of the upper connecting device iszero (0) to fifty (50) mm shorter than the connecting pin portion of thelower connecting device.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein said rightwheelchair handle clamp and said left wheelchair handle clamp aredesigned such that said swing away removable solid wheelchair seat backis inclined at an angle of zero (0) to ten (10) degrees.
 10. The deviceof claim 9 wherein said swing away removable solid wheelchair seat backis inclined at the preferred angle of eight (8) degrees.
 11. A method ofposterior ingress and egress to a wheelchair for an individual with poormuscle strength, which method improves overall oxygenation of theindividual, the method comprising the steps of: (a) to prepare forposterior egress from the wheelchair, the individual manipulates thelatch to the open opposition; (b) with the latch in the open position,the individual pushes the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat anddisengages the securing bracket from the right wheelchair handle clamp;(c) once the securing bracket is disengaged, the individual rotates theswing away removable solid wheelchair seat back via the upper connectingdevice and the lower connecting device attached to the left wheelchairback frame support via the connecting pin portion of the upperconnecting device and the lower connecting device which articulates withthe left wheelchair handle clamp; (d) the swing away removable solidwheelchair seat back is either (i) rotated in excess of ninety (90)degrees out of the individual's way while remaining attached to thewheelchair or (ii) removed completely from the wheelchair to allowingress and egress from the wheelchair; (e) with the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back rotated in excess of ninety (90)degrees, the individual transfers into or out of the wheelchair bytransferring through the rear upright frame or push handles on the chairfor a posterior egress or ingress; (f) alternately, the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair is disengaged from the wheelchair proper byrotating the swing away removable solid wheelchair seat back via theupper connecting device and the lower connecting device attached to theleft wheelchair back frame support via the connecting pin portion of theupper connecting device and the lower connecting device whicharticulates with the left wheelchair handle clamp through an arc of zero(0) to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees and lifting the swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back straight up and disengaging theupper connecting device connecting pin portion and the lower connectingdevice connecting pin portion from the left wheelchair handle clampthereby completely freeing the swing away removable solid wheelchairseat back from the wheelchair proper; (g) with the swing away removablesolid wheelchair seat back removed from the wheelchair, the individualtransfers into or out of the wheelchair by transferring through the rearupright frame or push handles on the chair for a posterior egress oringress.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the left wheelchair backframe support, the right wheelchair back frame support, upper framesupport, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount are constructedof plastic components.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the leftwheelchair back frame support, the right wheelchair back frame support,upper frame support, lower frame support, and securing bracket mount areconstructed of metallic components.
 14. The method of claim 11 whereinthe top wheelchair back frame support, the bottom wheelchair back framesupport, left wheelchair handle clamp, right wheelchair handle clamp,upper connecting device, lower connecting device, and securing bracketare constructed of a plastic components.
 15. The method of claim 11wherein the top wheelchair back frame support, the bottom wheelchairback frame support, left wheelchair handle clamp, right wheelchairhandle clamp, upper connecting device, lower connecting device, andsecuring bracket are constructed of a metallic components.
 16. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the connecting pin portion of the upperconnecting device and the connecting pin portion of the lower connectingdevice is inserted into the left wheelchair handle clamp and canarticulate through an arc of zero (0) to one hundred and twenty (120)degrees.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the connecting pin portionof the upper connecting device is zero (0) to fifty (50) mm shorter thanthe connecting pin portion of the lower connecting device.
 18. Themethod of claim 11 wherein said right wheelchair handle clamp and saidleft wheelchair handle clamp are designed such that said swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back is inclined at an angle of zero (0)to ten (10) degrees.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said swing awayremovable solid wheelchair seat back is inclined at the preferred angleof eight (8) degrees.